Correct answer: D – Jackknifing
Water can make brakes weak, uneven, or prone to grabbing. The resulting loss of braking power, wheel lockup, or pulling to one side may cause a combination vehicle to jackknife. After passing through deep water, use the manual's procedures to dry the brakes and test them when it is safe.
Source: Arkansas Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.13.2, “Driving—Wet Brakes”
Correct answer: B – FALSE
The Arkansas CDL manual strongly discourages backing a school bus. The bus should be backed only when there is no other safe way to move it, and never while students are outside the bus. When backing is unavoidable, the driver must follow the prescribed precautions, including using a lookout when available.
Source: Arkansas Commercial Driver License Manual — § 10.7.3, “Backing”
Correct answer: A – Grip the steering wheel firmly with both hands
A failed front tire can pull or twist the steering wheel, making a firm two-handed grip essential. Unless a collision is imminent, avoid braking until the vehicle has slowed because immediate braking may cause loss of control. Then brake gently, move off the roadway, stop, and inspect the tires.
Source: Arkansas Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.17.4, “Tire Failure—Respond to Tire Failure”
Correct answer: D – All of the above
Cracked drums, contaminated shoes or pads, and dangerously worn, missing, or broken brake shoes are all defects. Cracks can weaken the drum, while oil, grease, or brake fluid reduces friction. Missing or badly worn friction material can seriously reduce braking performance, and these problems must be corrected before safe operation.
Source: Arkansas Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.1.3, “What to Look For—Bad Brake Drums or Shoes”
Correct answer: C – Three-quarters of a second to one second
The manual gives an average reaction time of three-quarters of a second to one second. Reaction distance is the distance traveled after a hazard is perceived but before the driver physically applies the brakes. Fatigue, impairment, distraction, and other conditions may make an actual response slower.
Source: Arkansas Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.6.1, “Stopping Distance”
Correct answer: A – More than 10 degrees of steering-wheel play, about 2 inches on a 20-inch wheel
The Arkansas CDL manual warns that steering-wheel play exceeding 10 degrees—approximately 2 inches at the rim of a 20-inch wheel—can make steering difficult. Power-steering hoses, pumps, and fluid levels must be checked for leaks. Exhaust-system leaks are defects because a damaged system can allow poisonous fumes into the cab or sleeper berth.
Source: Arkansas Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.1.3, “What to Look For—Steering System Defects”, Arkansas Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.1.5, “Seven-step Inspection Method—Exhaust System Defects”
